Obituary of Michael Tully Mulcahy

Michael Tully Mulcahy, 83, of Edina Minnesota, passed away on December 25, 2024 at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, with his family by his side. He rejoined the universe from whence he came. See him in the stars.

Preceded in death by parents, Grace and Francis Mulcahy, and brothers Kevin and Mark.

Survived by Ryan (Sheila-deceased), Grace (Pat), and families, and loving wife, partner in life, Nancy Jane Mulcahy and daughter Suzanne Tully Mulcahy Zaayer (Jeff). Grandchildren Angela and Alexander Zaayer gave Tully great joy. 

Tully was born August 1, 1942 in Edina, Minnesota. He was the oldest, loving son of Grace and Frank. He attended Edina high school and went on to St. Thomas College, for an Associate Degree. He left college and did what he thought right and needed. Enlisted in the Navy: to sea, like so many Irishmen. Served two tours, three cruises, US to Bay of Tonkin off Vietnam. Up in the crow's nest, control and command target. Meterology and spotter, on the US Boxter, a redeployed WW II destroyer, for troop transport and helicopter support. It was hot in 1965-67, in the heat of the war. Other vets can tell you more, lest we forget those who came home, and those who did not. 

At home, Tully got a job with Control Data. His career as a process control master evolved and he later moved with changing industries and companies. 

In 1972, he met and married Nancy Jane McGinley, half Irish, half Italian, well met indeed. Fire and peat. Some years on, their love bore Suzanne. Their dream. Other passions were cars and motorcycles, the open road, from his 39 Chevy to his 356 Porsche. Smaller bikes to his Tristar. Europe, Italy on two wheels, with Nancy in the queen seat on BMWs. He felt there was nothing better than to be on the bike winding down his favorite roads and beyond, with Nancy. Traveling thousands of miles, including in Europe, together. 

Tully worked, it was an important part of who he was. He said: "Its what I do." He worked, a labor of love, raising their daughter Suzanne. 

He worked at his job and he worked at home. Woodworking and remodeling their house for Nancy, and then an apartment, in the home, for Suzanne, as time went on. Tully enjoyed using his hands and his mind to fix, build and improve things. He worked jobs into his mid-seventies. 

Together, they rebuilt and completely remodeled their home. Nancy, the partner, always at hand in caring and loving support, beginning to end. 

In 2017, Tully became a grandfather and again in 2020. He loved and adored Angela and Alexander, more than anything in the world. 

Tully will be greatly missed by many, his wife, Nancy, daughter Suzanne Tully Zaayer, his grandchildren, Alexander, and Angela. Sister Grace Timmons (Pat), and brother Ryan Mulcahy, along with countless other family members and dear friends. 

A celebration of life, for family and friends, will be held at France 44 Wine and Spirits event room on the second floor, on Thursday, January 9th, between 4 and 7 PM. France Ave South and 44th Street. 

A brief graveside service will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, at 9:15 a.m. January 10th. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research, or Lewy Body, Dementia Society of America.